“ABS” system
Starting with the 2026 season, Major League Baseball will implement its automated balls and strikes system (ABS) through a challenge system. The ABS Challenge System gives each team two challenges per game, with the challenge being retained if successful or lost if not. Challenges may only be initiated by the pitcher, catcher or batter tapping their cap or helmet immediately after the call. The exact location of the pitch is immediately displayed on the videoboard and broadcast and the call is either confirmed or overturned.
Juan Soto said he thinks the system is interesting and that it would also be difficult. Soto is known for his plate discipline and eyes and said, “Now it’s going to test how good I am with my eyes. And I think it’s going to be fun. It’s going to be interesting.”
meets the possibilities
Soto was asked how he feels being a veteran in the league at age 27, especially in a Mets organization where there are many great young players and prospects making their debut. “For me, I always try to tell everybody that I’m a newbie all my life. I always feel like a newbie. I’m always going to treat myself like a newbie with everybody. Whenever they need me and help them with any questions they have or anything, I’ll be there right away. But of course I’ll make them feel like we’re equal. Everyone out there is equal. And there’s no difference. No one else is We are all brothers. We are all playing for the same reason.”
Juan described his excitement in watching young pitchers nolan mclean, Jonah TongAnd Brandon Sproat Come the end of the 2025 season.
“I’m really excited for those guys. They’re definitely top 10 in the league. I mean, their stuff is absolutely incredible. What they’re showing is that they can be a really good ace in the near future, you know, and I’m really excited about that. And those kids are really humble kids that want to learn and they come to the field every day hungry to keep learning.”
Juan Soto. Aaron Doster-Imagen Images
Life in the Dominican Republic
Juan also talked about how exciting it was to grow up in the Dominican Republic with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr. He described baseball as bringing the entire island together and described how he first met Vlad and Tatis at tryouts when they were 14 to 15 years old. He felt like watching Wlad hit a 500-foot home run as if he was putting on a show for him and Tatis. “Vladi and Tatis, they’ve always been superstars,” Juan said of both players.
New found stolen base success
Finally, Juan talked about how much he enjoyed becoming one of the game’s best base stealers in 2025.
“You know, I always train myself to be fast. Carrying 230 pounds all over the field is tough. I was well prepared to get on the field, run, walk well. But, you know, I was missing some things on base to help me elevate my game that way and after getting Antoine Richardson this year, he taught me some tips that we can use on the game and it really worked. It really worked. I was impressive.”
Juan described how with Pete he had to choose the right moments to steal a base because he said he needed to be on base for “one of the best power hitters in the game.” He also said he felt he found a middle ground as the season progressed and he’s excited to take those skills into the 2026 season and beyond.
You can watch the full interview on Major League Baseball’s YouTube channel.
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